How to apply for California Homeowners' Exemption

Who it's for

The Homeowners' Exemption reduces the assessed value of a primary residence by $7,000, saving an owner-occupant roughly $70 per year in property taxes. It's a one-time application — once granted, the exemption stays on the property as long as the owner continues to occupy it as their principal residence. Despite being one of the easiest California property tax benefits to claim, many homeowners forget to apply for it (particularly after a refinance or transfer triggers reassessment).

What you'll need

• Property address
• Owner's name as it appears on the deed

Where to apply

Step by step

1. Confirm that the property is your primary residence — the exemption applies only to an owner-occupied principal residence.
2. Locate your name exactly as it appears on the property deed. You will need this for the application.
3. Have your property address ready.
4. Contact your County Assessor's office to request and complete the Homeowners' Exemption application form.
5. Submit the completed form to your County Assessor's office by the method they direct — in person, by mail, or another channel they offer.

What to expect: After submitting, the County Assessor will review your application and apply the exemption to your property's assessed value if approved. Processing times vary, so contact your County Assessor's office directly for an estimate. Once granted, the exemption stays in place automatically each year as long as you continue to occupy the property as your principal residence — no annual renewal is needed. If you sell, move, or transfer the property, notify the County Assessor, as the exemption would no longer apply.

Renewals

one-time (auto-renews while owner-occupied)